Mpox concerns addressed as Kakamega prepares to host KSSSA Nationals

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa flagging off Kakamega County Secondary School Sports teams at Golf Hotel proceeding to the national level. 28/07/2025 [Benard Lusigi, Standard] Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has assured participants in this year's Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) term two national's competitions of their safety. The governor's assurance comes barely a week after he confirmed that three people were confirmed to have tested positive for the Mpox disease in Lugari. Speaking after flagging off Kakamega County secondary schools' sports teams, Barasa said the county is ready and well prepared to host the competitions in a safe environment. "As the county government, we assure all the participants and guests that Kakamega is safe to host players because everything is under control," said Barasa. The county boss said preventive measures have been put in place by relevant departments, including the Ministry of Health, to ensure the health of all participants is secured and guaranteed for a smooth and seamless games competition. "Last week, there was some sort of tension when we reported some three cases of Mpox in Lugari, but as we speak right now, the three victims are doing very well. The treatment is good, and they have been isolated for 21 days, and the county is taking care of their subsistence as one of the mitigation measures," said Barasa. He added, "The ones who were the victim's family members, their results came out as negative, so there is nothing to worry about, and I want to assure all our people and visitors that Kakamega is safe to host the national games as well as the East African Games because we have taken all the necessary steps to make sure that we control the cases of mpox, and from where I sit, all is under control." Barasa said security has been beefed up across the county to ensure a seamless week of sports activities. "As the co-chair of the county security council, I want to inform our teams that they will be safe around town. We will also have ambulances on standby for the whole week," he said. He added that fields have been prepared to host both the national games and the upcoming East Africa championships. "The renovations at Bukhungu Stadium are going on at a fast pace; the turf grass has already arrived and will be installed this coming week," he said. According to the Department of Health in the county, the seven suspected Mpox cases turned out negative. Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia said they have put in place enough security measures to provide security to all participants, locals, and those engaging in businesses. "We are more prepared than ever before; we have put in place good measures to control any form of insecurities. We are coordinating very well with all stakeholders, including the county government of Kakamega, to ensure our guests and participants are well protected for these national games and upcoming East African competitions," said Macharia. He added, "We have deployed police in all venues where games will be taking place. I want to assure our business people that their businesses and properties will be protected, and they should not have to worry." The opening ceremony will be held at Mumias Sports Complex and not Bukhungu Stadium, which is still under renovation. Mumias will also host football games alongside Kakamega High School and Mukumu Boys. Masinde Murilo University of Science and Technology (MMUST) will host volleyball, netball, table tennis, and badminton, while rugby will be held at the Bull Ring. Basketball 3x3 will be hosted at the Police Canteen. However, by the time of going to the press, the confusion had marred tomorrow's games, with sports officials failing to announce venues where different games would take place.

Mpox concerns addressed as Kakamega prepares to host KSSSA Nationals

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Mpox concerns addressed as Kakamega prepares to host KSSSA Nationals

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